Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Thank you

Getting home from Uganda is always a bitter sweet moment for me. While I'm thrilled to be home in my own bed, take a long shower and see family and friends- I can't stop thinking about all those little faces on the other side of the world. Last night, I laid in bed for hours and honestly, my heart hurt. Amani Baby Cottage does a phenomenal job raising these kids; they love on them, give them a roof over their heads, feed them, clothe them but the reality is still that these kids don't have a mom and dad each night to call their own. Last night all I could think about is these kids have literally no idea there are people all over the world that truly love them and pray for them daily. Me being one of them. Believe me, if I could adopt them right now, I would. And I mean that with all sincerity. These kids have so much joy and love to give and deserve the best. 

All that to say, Thank you. Thank you for helping me be blessed this Christmas. You guys sent toys, clothes, umbrellas, books, soap, shampoo... the list goes on. Seeing their faces on Christmas is something I will never forget. 

These kids have a long journey in front of them. We all do. But just like these little kids on the other side of the world, we sometimes forget that each one of us has someone that loves us and their heart hurts for us too. This holiday season, I hope you know you are loved. Sometimes you may not feel like it, but there is always someone who's heart longs to see your face light up too. 

Merry CHRISTmas.

Love,
 Courtney










Saturday, November 21, 2015

Good News!

GOOD NEWS! 

  As of December 2nd,
all of the needs / requests for the kids AND the women
at Amani Baby Cottage have been donated!
If you would like to make a financial donation there's a paypal link on the left.

Thank you for your generosity and willingness to make this Christmas special! 


SPECIAL THANKS TO:
  • Toy Donations: Sarah Colonna, Shannon Dhepyasuwan, Lindsey White, Dawn & Chad Nichols, Jennie Wjoda, Maryanna Powell, Lisa & Chadd Charles,  Justin Garrett, Cindy Brewer, Randi Bryant, Sherry Garrett
  • Gifts for the Women: Cindy Brewer, Kaylee Carman, Karen Wright, Michelle Francis, Justin Garrett, Sarah Hendricks, LA Landgraf, Celeste & David Clydesdale, Jacqueline & Jonathan Brown, Denise Ybanez, Lauren Bauer, Katie Conway, Chris Simmons
  • Financial Donations: Celeste & David Clydesdale, Jacqueline & Jonathan Brown, Hilary Neblett, Caitlin Childs, Grandma Wright, Tim & Dawn Clydesdale, Justin Maddox, Amy Manzanares, David & Rachel Kenyon, Debbie Colberg, Pete Cappa, Allison Turner, Kelly Marlow, Joan Cornett, Kevin Underwood, Mal & Pal
Thank you again and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Courtney Clydesdale



Monday, November 9, 2015

Christmas in Uganda

Ever since I left Uganda 3 years ago, I've felt like God's been calling me back. In particular I've felt called to spend Christmas with the kids at Amani Baby Cottage, an orphanage in Jinja, Uganda.  So... This Christmas, I'm going.



Here's where I need help- I TOLD THEM I'D BRING CHRISTMAS AND I CAN'T DO IT ALONE. Amani has over 60 orphans under the age of 5. Many are orphaned when their parents die due to AIDS, birth complications or other factors. Some are abandoned in the hospital after birth. Others are found abandoned at taxi stops, in community toilets, or on the street.

Here's how you can help:

Be Christmas to 1 Child- Next time you're at Target, Walmart, on Amazon etc- you pick up 1 small toy; stuffed animal, lightweight ball, action figure, hot wheels, crayons, legos, baby doll... for no more that $20.00 (Whatever you think would make a kid's Christmas morning) and mail it to me by December 20th. That's it... I'll take care of the rest and hand it to a child on Christmas morning from you.


Send gifts to:
Courtney Clydesdale
1600 Westgate Circle, Suite 125
Brentwood TN 37027



Misc Requests- Prayer is number 1. As of right now, I'm traveling by myself so prayers for my safety are appreciated. There is a chance Justin will be going to help as well, but getting 10 days off work around the holidays is difficult. Pray that if he's meant to go, God will make it happen. Secondly, getting over there's not cheap; airfare, vaccinations, ground transportation, lodging, visas- it adds up. If you would like to help out with those kind of expenses there's a paypal button on the left.

Thank you again for all of your support! I can't wait to see these kids faces on Christmas morning!

Merry Christmas!

Courtney Clydesdale